As job sites go, construction sites are very dangerous. Between sharp tools, heavy equipment, and people and materials positioned many stories high, the potential for accidents looms large. As a result, if you are working at a construction site, or are there simply for a visit, here are eight things to keep in mind.

Put Away Your Cell Phone
Rather than staring at your cell phone, put it away and be aware of your surroundings. By doing so, you’ll keep yourself from a potentially serious accident. According to studies, texting continuously can be as distracting as if you were drunk, so put off sending that message.

Wear Protective Footwear
If you’re working at a site, always wear protective footwear, such as steel-toed boots. While bulky and heavy, the steel-toed part can protect your toes from being crushed if a heavy object falls on them.

Stay Hydrated
According to the Department of Labor, the construction industry accounts for 40 percent of all heat-related worker deaths. Rather than become a statistic, drink four cups of water per hour to stay hydrated.

Watch Out for Cords
Since there will be plenty of equipment being used, always look to make sure you don’t trip or run over extension cords. To be safe, always try to position cords up against a wall.

Wear Sunscreen
If you work in construction, you’ll be out in the sun most if not all day. Because of this, plan on wearing plenty of sunscreen. According to dermatologists, using a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher will reduce the chances of getting skin cancer by 50 percent.

First-Aid Training
At most construction companies, workers are trained in basic first aid and CPR. Therefore, always know where the first aid kits are located, as well as automatic defibrillators in the event of an emergency.

Wear Your Hardhat
While you may think it’s unnecessary or is bulky and uncomfortable, wearing a hardhat can literally save your life. So rather than let a stray tool or piece of wood fall from high above and quickly turn you into a death statistic, keep your hardhat on at all times.

Clean Up Your Work Area
At the end of the day, always be sure to clean up your work area. By not leaving tools, materials, or anything else out where people can easily take them, you’ll prevent theft, which will cost the company time and money.

Construction is regarded as among the most hazardous jobs there are. Ensuring employee safety is critical. Heavy lifting, heights, heavy and portable equipment, unreliable stairs and deep pockets are a fact in many building and building clean up sites irrespective of how cautious the contractors say they are. Here are a couple of suggestions for you to think about to be safe when building in hazardous circumstances:

1. Use the Proper Equipment

If you don’t have the essential equipment, talk to your employer and remember to always be prepared. Helmets and protective eyewear are essential. Ear muffs or plugs ought to be used when you are working in noisy areas. Also keep in mind that protective gloves must be worn whenever you’re around toxic substances. You should wear anti-slip protective or lace boots especially in wet, dusty, or toxic environments. Fall harnesses are a must for each construction worker. If you’re working in a high situation, ensure that your harness is secured into a solid point of anchorage. Since contractors work in all sorts of weather, be sure you prepare for inclement weather with climate protective equipment and clothing. Operators of heavy machinery must wear highly visible clothing so that they can be seen.

2. Evaluate Your Area

You should not work on a fragile scaffold that doesn’t have a strong base. Another tool that carries a high risk is the ladder.Take a look at the ladder thoroughly before you use it and make sure you are complying with your employer’s policies. A good ladder needs to be strong and typically one yard above the ground. The ladder also should be secured properly. If not, make sure someone is securing it manually.

3. Be Careful with Electricity

Sites of construction typically require a whole lot of electric installations, and lifting equipment mainly involves weights and electricity. When utilizing this gear, operators of heavy machinery will need to make sure there’s not any wear and tear. If you don’t know the proper precautions, get assistance from a manager or a coworker with experience working with the equipment. If you’re utilizing plugged-in mobile devices like drills or grinders, you must always check the wires are shielded. Never permit the electric tools anywhere close to water.

These are just a few safety tips for you to keep in mind when working construction. Construction is an exciting field to work in. Just make sure you take the proper precautions to be safe.

Today on the blog, I’m interviewing one of my favorite general contractors, Adrian Thompson. Adrian is the founder of Adrian Thompson & Company, whose philosophy and craftsmanship have both been things that I’ve admired for a long time. Adrian Thompson & Company builds smart and sustainable homes that are also gorgeous.

You founded Adrian Thompson & Company in 2002. 16 years in business is no small feat! What is the most important thing you’d say you’ve learned in that time?

I think the most important thing for me is knowing that when it comes to the residential sector, we are providing a service just like any other home service. We are expected to build a beautiful and reliable product for our clients. We are expected to communicate effectively every step of the way.

What is the most important thing you have learned in the past 16 years about having a successful business?

I think it’s all about having the best employees. I am fortunate enough to have amazing people working for me. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to count on things getting done. I’d say it’s more important to have the patience to hire good people so that you can all grow together as a team.

You’ve worked on quite a few remodels of Atlanta homes. What is the approach that you use to using new materials and technologies in buildings that already exist?

First of all, I try to always get to know my clients and their needs before I jump into offering them new technologies. I have to get to know their lifestyles before I can recommend new technologies or materials.

You’re a fan of green building. Can you tell us more about that?

One of my employees got me thinking about sustainable solutions early on in my career, and I’ve made it an important goal of mine ever since.

Well, that’s all for today. Thank you for taking the time to stop by the blog and let us pick your brain!

Green homes are a lot more popular now than when I began my career. Everyone wants to know how they can have a more energy-efficient sustainable home. Houses built today are getting greener and greener each year. Here are five ideas for green building.

1. Build a Smaller House

Smaller homes are more energy efficient. There is a reason the tiny home movement has taken off so much in recent years. These are excellent options for many people.

2. Solar Power is Where It’s At

When it comes to low-cost and efficient energy sources, solar power is amazing. It’s also a clean source of energy. By incorporating solar panels into the homes you build, your clients will have energy efficient and cost-effective homes.

3. Use Sustainable Materials to Build

Sustainable building materials can majorly decrease the impact your construction has on the environment. Choose suppliers who follow sustainable practices, and that will be better for everyone involved.

4. Your Land is Your Friend

If you design the home you are building to take advantage of the surrounding landscape from the beginning, your clients will appreciate less expensive lawn care throughout the life of their home.

5. Utilize the Thermostat

Highly programmable thermostats are now the standard for new homes. Make sure you are taking advantage of all of the new technologies available to you.

Those are just a few green building ideas. I’d love to hear if you have any more. Leave me a comment!